Central Services Lead

Tees Law are a Top 200 UK law firm, with over 375 staff across our 6 offices, we provide expert legal services and independent financial advice. We work for individuals and businesses, professional partnerships, charities, national corporations, and institutions. We were founded in 1913, and have grown from a traditional family firm with strong roots. Tees vision is to be the firm of choice for exceptional service. We pride ourselves in being easy to talk to - we talk openly, honestly and with empathy. No matter how complex a situation, we provide straightforward, long-term solutions for a better future. Drawing on our years of experience, we're driven to anticipate our customer needs and share our insights. At Tees we want to create a better future for our clients, for yourself, your career, and your family.

As the backbone of our organisation, the central services team plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of our firm's daily operations. Our approach is all about putting the client at the centre of the process and making sure the right person has access to the files at the right time; this enables the people in the central services team to proactively support the client throughout their case.

Our systems have been transformed in recent years, into an ultra-modern system with state-of-the-art technology, complemented by modern, efficient ways of working. Central Services team members deliver essential administrative tasks and find ways to continually streamline processes. Exceptional multi-tasking skills and a proactive approach are instrumental in optimising workflow and enhancing productivity across the firm. Collaboration is key in this role, as you'll be liaising with various teams and departments to facilitate seamless communication and information flow.

Strategic Leadership: Be a key player in the expansion, development, implementation, and updating of the Central Services strategic plans on an annual basis.

Process Optimisation: Establish and implement policies, procedures, and service level standards to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Central Support Department. Working with the firm’s technology, recommend solutions and processes to enhance the delivery of the departments service offerings. Expansion of the current services delivery lines.

Team Management: Manage and mentor and train all employees within the Central Service Team directly and indirectly through the reporting structure. Plan, organise, and allocate work to ensure effective day-to-day operations of all Central Support Teams. Effectively lead the day to day operations of the Central Support Teams, ensuring the of high quality services.

Team Engagement and Development: Nurture and oversee the Central Services Teams, promoting engagement and ensuring the delivery of swift and high-quality work.

Financial Planning: Take responsibility for Budget management, people planning and financial planning for the central services department;

Stakeholder Relations: Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders. Coordinate activities between Central Services and other departments.

Service Quality: Oversee resolution of inquiries, problems and complaints affecting service quality and respond to the most sensitive or complex inquiries or service queries.

Project Advisory: Act as a key advisor in Central Support related projects and provide support as required.

Service Level Goals: Lead the analysis and update of service level goals to meet the evolving needs of our legal services. Monitor and report on Central Service Department KPI’s Generate business reports and provide Central Services data analysis to the Senior Management Team

Compliance and Documentation: Take daily responsibility for the Central Services systems and the document library – maintaining, developing, and auditing regularly to meet compliance needs.

Skills set

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven track record of strategic planning through to delivery.
• Proven track record in change management methodologies.
• Proficiency in confidently managing difficult conversations and offering solution-focused approaches.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities.
• At ease with presenting to Internal clients.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to provide direction and motivate a team.
• Accountability for task completion, effective planning, delegation, and meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and solution-oriented thinking.
• Proactive and initiative-driven.
• Strategic thinker with a commercial mindset.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Capability to organise and prioritise a demanding workload.
• Strong team player.

• An attractive salary
• Discretionary payments
• Birthday holiday
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays with entitlement increasing with length of service
• Compassionate leave
• Employee assistance programme through Health Assured (including Counselling sessions, 24/7 access to trained Counsellors, Health Assessments, 4-week wellness programs, and more)
• Contributory pension
• Discounted legal services
• Discounted financial advice services
• Life assurance
• Permanent health insurance
• Interest free season ticket and travel loans
• Cycle to work scheme
• Eye care
• Access to a discount platform that includes special rate cinema tickets, shopping discounts and free treats from Cafe Nero and Greggs
• Discounted gym membership
• Social events throughout the year
• Payment for professional memberships and development opportunities
• A day’s leave per year to undertake Volunteer Day
• The opportunity to become involved with firm initiatives such as the Tees Better Future Fund and the ESG project.

If you are ambitious, driven, and want to work with a company focused on helping give our clients a better future, then you are aligned in our aim to achieve that and empower you to be your absolute best. You will have a blended working schedule, giving you the freedom to arrange your days to benefit your commitments - in and out of the office. You will also receive access to a discount platform with a variety of perks that caters to your individual needs. We understand that both the big and small details are important and believe that rewarding staff for their contributions and investing in their future is vital to the growth of our firm.

At Tees, diversity and inclusion are the heart of our vision for a better and more equitable future. We embrace diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, and socioeconomic background. We recognise that by embracing diversity, we can harness the collective power of our employees and create a culture that promotes collaboration, empathy, and understanding.  

By prioritising diversity and inclusion, we believe that we create a more innovative, creative, and compassionate workplace. Our diverse perspectives lead to better problem-solving and enhanced decision-making, enabling us to better serve our customers and make a positive impact.